Graphic novels are a high-demand format for any age group, and making sure you have the next volume ready to go for eager patrons can be overwhelming. These reviews have you covered, from The Smurfs to the Pizzaplex.

Elementary

Alvarado, Jenny. Lost and Frown! 80p. (Pencil & Eraser: Bk 2). Putnam. May 2025. Tr. $12.99. ISBN 9780593699812.
K-Gr 3–In their second book, Pencil and Eraser have to work their way back to their owner, Stella, after falling out of her bag at school before she left for karate class. The adventure-loving Pencil and the ever-grumpy Eraser will have to use their ninja skills to infiltrate several places, getting help from others as they make their way to the dojo. Comedic elements are included via a “Joke Break” between chapters, but are also present in the dynamic between characters and the reader. Fans of the Toy Story franchise will find a lot to like. VERDICT This series will definitely bring laughs to young readers as they imagine what happens to their own school supplies when they aren’t paying attention.

Brownfield, H.F. & Kayla Coombs. Quinnelope and the Unicorn Utopia. 256p. (Quinnelope: Bk. 3). Oni Pr. Jul. 2025. pap. $14.99. ISBN 9781637157879.
Gr 3 Up–Diving into a vibrant and colorful world like the one Quinnelope and her friends live in could be jarring to some, but to those who imagine life in all colors of the rainbow and who still hold to magic and wonder will find it refreshing. Along with her best friends Star and Bub, Quinnelope and the residents of Pleasant Town are preparing for Rainbow Day, a celebration of colors. As they get into their costumes, Quinnelope is met with a harsh truth for someone so optimistic: unicorns are not real. To combat this, and restore her hope, the friends follow a mysterious map to Unicorn Island, in search of the mythical creature. What they find, and the adventure they have along the way, is nothing like they would have imagined. The Quinnelope series will ignite the imagination of all who read it, and this third book is no exception. Children eventually learn how harsh reality can be, but magic and adventure stories will always be welcome to brighten the world around us. VERDICT Quinnelope teaches us that the only thing stronger than unicorn magic is friendship. A positively magical read.

Collier, Kelly. Steve, A Rare Egg. Bk. 2. Jun. 2025. ISBN 9781525313004.
––––. Steve, Born to Run. Bk. 3. Sept. 2025. ISBN 9781525313011.
ea vol: 64p. (Steve the Horse). Kids Can. Tr. $16.99.
Gr 1-4–When Steve the horse smells the first flower of spring, he knows it’s time to race. To make things fair, the other animals have made it a relay race, and paired the fast-running horse up with Turtle, Duck, and Snail. Taking it in stride, Steve uses his knowledge of winning races to become their coach. Collier continues her series about this energetic horse named Steve with a focus on teamwork and making the most of your current situation. Expanding on the lesson of “slow and steady wins the race” from the “Tortoise and the Hare,” Steve shows us that being “born to run” doesn’t always make you the best racer. VERDICT A triumph of teamwork brings a classic story back to modern readers by showing the benefits of our differences.

Cooke, Stephanie. Prince and the Pawper. illus. by Whitney Gardner. 192p. (The Racc Pack). S. & S. Jan. 2025. Tr. $13.99. ISBN 9781665914956.
Gr 3 Up–Dusty, Scraps, and ReRe, three raccoon brothers from Toronto, see that Prince, a social media star who also happens to be a raccoon, will be in town for a convention. When the four meet, Dusty and Prince decide to trade places, wanting to see how the other half lives. What unfolds is a case of not knowing what you have until it’s gone. As this is a fairly straightforward telling of a familiar story, this graphic novel could have been hit and a miss, but it plays well on the strengths of the hilarious lifestyles these two characters live. Seeing how dull and repetitive the life of an influencer can be, and just how hard fighting for every meal is for some will give readers an appreciation for the ease of their own lives. VERDICT The classic story of “The Prince and the Pauper” gets retold using trash-eating raccoons. The lesson of experiencing how others live remains the same.

Deas, Nancy. Howler Reef. illus. by Mike Deas. 192p. (Sueño Bay Adventures: Bk. 6). Orca. Aug. 2025. pap. $16.95. ISBN 9781459837829.
Gr 2-4–The sixth book in this series focuses on friends Kay, Jenna, Ollie, and Sleeves as they prepare for a kayak trip. A few weeks before they leave, Kay hears her favorite radio announcer DJ Azul got lost on one of his adventures, and knows he is stranded somewhere near Howler Reef, which is on the northern end of their island. She wants to divert the group to search for him, but they believe it was merely a publicity stunt. Fans of the series will enjoy this next installment. The characters are quite young and spend a lot of time on their own far from home, though they act responsibly, stick to the rules, and good lessons are communicated. VERDICT A fun, group trip story that will appeal to those seeking the wild outdoors, strong bonds between friends, and a sense of adventure.

Dempsey, Sheena. Frozen in Time. 240p. (Pablo and Splash). Bloomsbury. Mar. 2025. Tr. $12.99. ISBN 9781547616190.
Gr 2 Up–Pablo and Splash are time-traveling penguins, and this set up leads to hilarious hijinks that readers won’t be able to predict. First, the time machine itself becomes so upset with its creator, the Professor, that it strands her back during the Ice Age. Second, the penguins have a lot to figure out when their rescue of the Professor is interrupted by a caveman stealing the time machine. This book would work well for young readers in classroom or home read-alouds. Readers will be delighted and will watch the shelves for future installments. VERDICT The laughs never stop when penguins travel through time in this endearing second volume in the series.

Esposito, Joey. Sesame Street: Grover Lends a Hand. illus. by Austin Baechle. Jun. 2025. ISBN 9781637157817.
––––. Sesame Street: The Amazing Mumford’s Magic Trick. illus. by Sean Dove. Sept. 2025. ISBN 9781637158425.
Kenney,Mary. Sesame Street: Cookie Monster’s Dinner Party. illus. by Alison Acton. Aug. 2025. ISBN 9781637158036.
Williams,Stephanie. Sesame Street: Bert & Ernie’s Spring Cleaning. illus. by Beth Hughes. Jul. 2025. ISBN 9781637157893.
ea vol: 24p. (Sesame Street). Oni Pr. Tr. $7.99.
Gr 1-4–This new four-book series uses beloved characters to present lessons that will be familiar and useful to any who reads them. Teamwork, helping others, gift giving and receiving, activities with friends, and the wonder of magic are accessible themes for most children regardless of age or location in the world. One of Sesame Street’s greatest strengths is its universal readability. Though these books are written at a level where young children could enjoy them independently, the series feels like it would work best for sharing between caregiver and child. For new readers who are advancing beyond the basics, the vocabulary will help guide them to the next level. VERDICT Sesame Street and its life lessons are timeless. Share this series with anyone who could use some magic and wonder in their life.

Hale, Nathan. Hog-Rocket Ruckus: A Graphic Novel. 288p. (The Mighty Bite: Bk. 3). Abrams/Fanfare. Jun. 2025. Tr. $15.99. ISBN 9781419779855.
Gr 3 Up–In the early pages of this book, they describe the Japanese term “wabi-sabi,” which means “finding beauty in imperfection.” This book not only exhibits that in its art style, which is completely hand drawn, but also in the chaos of its plot and characters. In this third title in the series, Trilobite and his crew are searching for an Entelodont, a prehistoric being resembling a large wild boar. They find him, but inadvertently create a creature of destruction from it. Combustion occurs and this creature becomes a Hog-Rocket, flying around destroying things with teeth and fire. All is presented with the humor, the author maximizing irony, odd situations, and exploiting typical disaster and action-movie tropes. VERDICT This book is a riot and a wild ride combined in one. Perfectly imperfect.

Harper, Benjamin. Cappy Herds the Aphid Invasion. illus. by Daniela Barros. ISBN 9781669084082.
––––. Thora and the Great Pollination. illus. by Daniela Barros. ISBN 9781669083924.
Valdez,Kiara. Flor’s Garden Show Chaos. illus. by Ludovic Sallé ISBN 9781669084006.
––––. Lulu Has a Field Day. illus. by Ludovic Sallé. ISBN 9781669084167.
ea vol: 32p. (Tales of the Tiny Folk). Capstone/Stone Arch. Dec. 2024. Tr. $25.32.
Gr 2 Up–Many things in the world are happening on such a small scale that we don’t see it, but that doesn’t mean they are any less important. The Tiny Folk can be relied on to tend to these things. Living in our gardens and using the things we drop or lose, they do their best to make the world a better place for all of us. In Cappy Herds the Aphid Invasion , we learn that teamwork always pays off. Flor’s Garden Show Chaos shows that perseverance leads to the best outcomes. When competition gets tough, Lulu Has a Field Day proves the only way to win is fairly. When bees move to a new home, Thora and the Great Pollination shows that great works are only accomplished when we all work toward a common goal. These tales will inspire readers of all ages, and just might lead to more appreciation to the natural world around us. VERDICT A delightful series that shows us a world in which even the smallest creatures can do big things. Perfect for readers who love whimsical fairy tales.

Henderson, Judith. The Museum of Willa and Wade. illus. by Sara Sarhangpour. 48p. (Willa and Wade: Bk. 2). Kids Can. Oct. 2025. Tr. $14.99. ISBN 9781525308437.
PreS-Gr 2–Best friends Willa, an ostrich, and Wade, a penguin, find a button on the ground and decide that it must be a treasure. Knowing that a museum is the place to go see treasures, these two friends decide to make their own. Adding pieces, they invite all their friends to the grand opening of the MOWW, or Museum of Willa and Wade, which is a perfect creation to show off the wonders of their world. If you’ve ever seen the power of a child’s imagination at work, you’ll know the positivity and encouragement that comes from them expressing their ideas. Author Henderson captures this beautifully, along with celebrating the bonds of friendship. VERDICT This adorable tale will delight any young child with a creative imagination.

Hrab, Naseem. Otis & Peanut Find a Way. illus. by Kelly Collier. 80p. (Otis & Peanut: Bk. 3). Owlkids. Apr. 2025. Tr. $18.95. ISBN 9781771476119.
Gr 1-3–Good friends can help you get through any of life’s struggles, and childhood is a wonderful time to learn that lesson. When Otis, a long-haired guinea pig, wants to go on a trip to see more of the world but is too scared, his best friend Peanut, a naked mole rat, helps him overcome his fears by taking practice trips. The subtitle Find a Way applies to all three stories in this volume, and the author takes a clever approach normalizing these fears in a way that young kids can relate to and understand. VERDICT The popular series continues with this third outing, bringing friendly solutions to hardships shared by all ages.

Moyle, Sabrina. Comet Together! illus. by Eunice Moyle. 112p. (Cosmic Adventures of Astrid and Stella: Bk. 4). Abrams/Fanfare. Jan. 2025. Tr. $12.99. ISBN 9781419774553.
Gr 2 Up–In the fourth installment of this series, Stella Squirrel and Astrid Unicorn decide to flex their artistic muscles and work on making comets—or what we would call a comic. Collaboration turns to competition, and they seek the help of a full planet of artists, but all is not as it should be. Bouncing around from planet to planet, Astrid and Stella seek answers only the galaxy can provide. There is a large amount of both goofy and toilet humor in this graphic novel, which will delight some readers and drive others away. Young readers who enjoy a well-timed fart joke will find the chaos refreshing. VERDICT Sometimes you just need to laugh at a wild, goofy story. These cosmic adventures are as absurd as a squirrel and unicorn being friends.

Murguia, Bethanie. A New Dog in the Den. 160p. (Wagnificent: Bk. 2). Roaring Brook. Jul. 2025. Tr. $21.99. ISBN 9781250835314.
Gr 2 Up–Sage and her dog, Thunder, are the best of friends. Being the only dog in the house, Thunder likes to have things a specific way. This all changes when a friend asks Sage to watch Byron, and now there are two dogs in the house. As tensions build, can these two dogs learn to coexist? What role will Zia, a dog walker and new friend to Sage, play in this story? Many things change when routines are interrupted, whether it’s by a new baby, a new partner, or a new pet. We all deal with others coming in and out of our lives, but it is only when we learn to love and work together that we discover how deeply friendship has the ability to become. VERDICT Pet comedy entertains all. Young readers will learn so much while they laugh at these two dogs at odds with each other.

Park, Song-eui. All Aboard the Poo Boat. ISBN 9798765627624.
––––. The Golden Poo. ISBN 9798765627617.
ea vol: illus. by Duck-Young Kim. 88p. (Whose Poo Is This?). Lerner/Graphic Universe. Mar. 2025. Tr. $29.32.
Gr 3 Up–With a title like “Whose Poo Is This?” one might expect the type of silly, poop-joke-filled pages that so many young readers enjoy. What Park has done here, however, is a masterclass in animal digestion and anatomy filtered through a toilet humor narrative, so kids will laugh as they learn. The Golden Poo introduces the concept of animal poo analysis, using the five senses and established scientific practices to determine which animal they are looking for. The hunt for the elusive “golden poo” continues in All Aboard the Poo Boat, where a new batch of animals is examined. As the scientists get closer and closer to finishing their mission, they are sent on to a new location, setting up the possibility of continued adventures. This series not only discusses animal bowel movements, but occasionally provides illustrations of them happening. Once readers get their giggles out, they will find a genuinely informative series that will teach vast amounts of animal knowledge. VERDICT This series gives readers a winning combination of science and humor.

Ramm,Meggie. Cooking Contest!96p. (Batcat: Bk. 3). Abrams/Fanfare. Apr. 2025. Tr. $14.99. ISBN 9781419776229.
Gr 2 Up–This title, which features main characters that are a bat/cat hybrid and a ghost, check all the boxes for a delightful spooky story. But the third entry in the series also features unexpected depth. Two friends, Batcat and Al the Ghost, are excited for the upcoming Night Festival. Al will be participating in the cooking contest, while Batcat embraces his competitive eating side. Their strongest rivals come from the intimidating Griffin family. The story really shines when Al becomes overwhelmed by the pressures and stress of competition. Batcat immediately steps in with calming words and breathing techniques. Lessons like these, worked into an entertaining story, that will help normalize mental health issues for all ages. VERDICT Batcat and friends have another hit, this time with a healthy dose of friendship, and a lot of food. A wonderful book for all seasons.

Smart,Jamie. Welcome to Animal Island. 128p. (Max and Chaffy). DK. May 2025. Tr. $18.99. ISBN 9780593965306.
PreS-Gr 4–In this whimsical book, the Boggle family moves to Animal Island, and are immediatley greeted by Chief Constable Moose and Crumbles the Baker, a duck. Before his family heads off to be the lighthouse keepers, curious and explorative Max gets into some adventures, including finding Chaffy, a kind of bunny ball, and the rest of the story has the title characters running all over the island in an attempt to find where Chaffy truly belongs. The book encourages readers to pore over the vibrant illustrations with a challenging “Find Chaffy” hidden object game. A slight cultural word choice may confuse American children; a “bandage” is referred to as a “plaster.” The pacing and tone of these adventures will delight young readers. VERDICT This new series starts strong, providing the hope of new friends and adventures to early readers.

Tysoe, Alina. Purranormal Activity. 128p. (The Great Puptective). S. & S. Feb. 2025. Tr. $12.99. ISBN 9781665938273.
Gr 1-4–When you give a pet a traditionally human job, as this series does with Poppy the dog detective, you already have a recipe for fun and hijinks. When you add in a dog vs. cat dynamic and a spooky ghost, you know you have a hit on your hands. Poppy begins a case to figure out who has been biting the shoes in the house, but quickly moves on to some strange happenings that occur in the night. Is it from the new neighbors that just moved in and their cat, or might it be that a ghost is messing around in Poppy’s backyard? Readers will enjoy following along with Poppy’s investigation. VERDICT The paranormal collides with adorable household pets. A cute, spooky vibe that will entertain any who go for the ride.

Upper Elementary to Middle School

Burns, Jason. Book 1: Luna Eclipse. ISBN 9798384921066.
––––. Book 2: Ants Marching. ISBN 9798384921073.
––––. Book 3: Sting Operation. ISBN 9798384921080.
––––. Book 4: Bug of War. ISBN 9798384921097.
––––. Book 5: Swarm. ISBN 9798384921103.
––––. Book 6: Hour of the Moth. ISBN 9798384921110.
ea vol: illus. by Gcomics. 48p. (Moth Riders). ABDO/Graphic Planet. Jan. 2025. Tr. $37.07.
Gr 4 Up–Aster and her friends live in a world with giant insects. The people of her village are taught to fear bugs by their tyrannical leader, Gerlach, and his army, the Six Leg Slayers. To prevent the destruction of all insects, she decides to mount a resistance, and when some of the insects agree, Aster and her crew become Moth Riders. The six graphic novels in the series complete the story and cover a wide variety of lessons valuable to any reader: survival, harmony with nature, learning to defend yourself, standing up for your beliefs, and even sacrificing for a cause. This well-paced story is begging for a film adaptation. VERDICT This series offers a glimpse at a society that functions well with all kinds of different creatures working together for the common good.

Clement, Gary. K Is in Trouble AGAIN. 216p. (K Is in Trouble: Bk. 2). Little, Brown Ink. Apr. 2025. pap. $14.99. ISBN 9780316468848.
Gr 4-6–Those who appreciate dry and goofy British humor will enjoy this second installment of the troublesome life of a young man known simply as K. After a visit to his grandparents gone wrong, a swimming mishap, a whimsically unbelievable seaside vacation, a school snowball accident, and a goat that seems to show up at the oddest times, K’s life could read as stressful. This, however, is where the comedy of tragedy comes in. Those who appreciate Roald Dahl’s wacky adventure stories and lovers of the twisted original Grimm Fairy Tales will see the true humor that K brings. Some may find the way K’s parents treat him to be dismissive and negative, but that is not the intent expressed by the author. K’s life is meant to be surreal and unfortunate. VERDICT Trouble clings to some stronger than others. K’s life of chaos will entertain readers who appreciate dry humor.

Eaton III,Maxwell. Lost at Sea. 176p. (Survival Scout: Bk 3). Roaring Brook. Mar. 2025. Tr. $20.99. ISBN 9781250790491.
Gr 4 Up–Scout and her older brother are going for a sailing lesson without their mother. When her brother jumps ship to go swimming with a dolphin, Scout is left all alone with only a skunk and her knowledge about the sea. She must use her wits to get back home safely, or risk getting lost. Like the previous two volumes in the series, this book includes information that can teach people of all ages how to survive. It takes a compelling situation that would be at home in a drama or action movie and tackles every facet with intelligence, tact, and a little bit of humor. VERDICT Every boat that sets sail could benefit from a copy of this book onboard.

Felder, Molly. The Fantastic Freewheeler and the Dog Dilemma. illus. by Scott Brown. ISBN 9781669081340.
––––. The Fantastic Freewheeler and the Second Superhero. illus. by Yury Guzman. ISBN 9781669081272.
ea vol: 32p. (The Fantastic Freewheeler). Capstone/Stone Arch. Dec. 2024. Tr. $26.65.
Gr 4-6–The fifth and sixth books in this series continue to follow Drew Daniels, a middle school boy who has cerebral palsy and the superpower of seeing the history of any item he touches. Drew and his his close friends navigate their lives and help others solve problems. In Dog Dilemma , a friend of Drew’s wants to adopt a dog, but is having trouble finding one that works best for him. In Second Superhero, Drew meets a superhero from another school who can store items in a pocket dimension. They work together to help everyone have the best time at the amusement park. The author draws on her own experience with cerebral palsy to bring authenticity to her main character. Young readers will be drawn to not only of the strength of Drew’s character, but also how others react to his disability. VERDICT These titles offer hope and inspiration to young readers while using superpowers to broaden its appeal and audience.

Hill, Jonathan. The Most Perfect Summer Ever. 288p. (Lizard Boy: Bk. 2). Candlewick/Walker. Apr. 2025. Tr. $24.99. ISBN 9781536216479.
Gr 3-7–Growing up presents the challenge of not only learning to love and accept yourself, but to love and accept others. The friends in this book bond through their differences, and there are many. Their group includes a lizard boy, a sasquatch, a robot, a girl made from snakes, and two humans—all just trying to have the most perfect summer. The community is close to finding out about the existence of the non-humans, and they will need unity now more than ever. You can feel the love and the sense of camaraderie between the friends as well as their families. The second book in this series presents a vision of community many readers will want to strive for. VERDICT Sometimes it takes a group of misfits to demonstrate true family and community. Who wouldn’t want to be friends with a cryptid?

Hunter, Erin. The Prophecies Begin. illus. by Sara Goetter & Natalie Riess. 272p. (Warriors Graphic Novel: Bk. 2). HarperCollins/HarperAlley. Apr. 2025. pap. $15.99. ISBN 9780063203907.
Gr 3-7–Fireheart has led Thunderclan to victory and a time of peace and rebuilding has settled in. With Bluestar now on her final life, and suspicion of treachery placed on Tigerclaw, the wild warrior cats and their clans have much to prepare for. Some rise in ranks, their bravery proving they are ready to be hunters, while others prepare to face fallout from their decisions. What lies in the immediate future for these clans is unclear, and readers will enjoy finding out. Fans will delight in seeing their favorite characters and early series plotlines shown in such unique and vibrant colors. VERDICT Graphic novels of this long-running series will help bring these stories to a new audience.

Maddox, Jake. Horseback Hardships. illus. by Berenice Muñiz. ISBN 9781669083726.
––––. Rock ’n’ Goal. illus. by Teo Duarte. ISBN 9781669083795.
ea vol: 72p. (Jake Maddox Graphic Novels). Capstone/Stone Arch. Dec. 2024. Tr. $27.99.
Gr 4 Up–The name Jake Maddox has become synonymous with sports books for kids, and these two titles depict the lives of young athletes with maturity and depth. In Horseback Hardships, Leah moves to a new town, which comes with challenges to her love of riding horses, as her passion creates both friendship and strife among others. Rock ’n’ Goal, and underdog soccer story for new player Robert, is a study of how the loss of a loved one can be both debilitating and encouraging at the same time. Added to both heartfelt stories is plenty of vocabulary and information to help readers unfamiliar with the sport gain knowledge. Leah and Robert are positive examples of young people who don’t let hardship stop them from becoming the best version of themselves. VERDICT This series continues to enrich the lives of those it reaches, motivating kids to excel in sports and foster a love of reading.

Myklusch, Matt. The Blood of Kings. illus. by Onofrio Orlando. 312p. (Imagine Nation). S. & S./Aladdin. Jan. 2025. Tr. $21.99. ISBN 9781665928182.
Gr 5 Up–In the medieval village of Varagog, a young warrior named Skerren is about to be named the king’s heir after saving him from near death. Right before the proclamation, Zorn, son of the previous king, returns to claim his birthright as the rightful heir. A contest organized between the two young men to see who deserves the title. But everyone’s intentions maybe not be what they seem. This series starter is set in the same Imagine Nation as the author’s acclaimed “Jack Blank” series. While medieval action and adventure dominate Varagog, other realms in the Imagine Nation thrive on secrets, robots, space travel, or even martial arts. The author has definitely created a world that can support many adventures. VERDICT Readers’ imaginations will soar in this fantasy action series. True heroes know their power comes from within.

Pascal, Francine. The New Girl. adapted by Nicole Andelfinger. illus. by Knack Whittle. 224p. (Sweet Valley Twins: Bk. 6). Random House Graphic. May 2025. Tr. $21.99. ISBN 9780593807255.
Gr 3-7–Twins Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield are two of the most popular girls at Sweet Valley Middle School. Though they are different in several ways, both are known for their kindness to others. When new girl Brooke moves into town, Jessica is asked to show her around, but neither she nor her sister want anything to do with the meanest girl they’ve ever met. The twins must figure out if they and the rest of the student body are jumping to conclusions and not giving Brooke a chance. Originally started back in 1983, Francine Pascal’s dramatic teen series has maintained relevance by adapting their stories to each generation that comes along. VERDICT This fun revamp shows young readers that the horrors of middle school can be navigated with a little patience and understanding.

Scrivan,Maria. Nat a Chance: A Graphic Novel. 240p. (Nat Enough: Bk. 6). Scholastic/Graphix. Mar. 2025. pap. $14.99. ISBN 9781546104452.
Gr 3-7–In this latest book in the “Nat Enough” series, readers find the awkward heroine moving into a new phase in life. When her best friend Zoe quits the volleyball team and wants Natalie to join her on the school’s triathlon squad, Nat is extremely hesitant as she lacks confidence in any strenuous physical sports. She regularly gets picked last for team games in gym class and is known for her clumsiness. With the help of Coach Rennie, and the support of her friends and family, Natalie will learn that swimming, biking, and running are more than just sports. They are a way to gain self-confidence, learn how to overcome obstacles, and not allow fear and doubt to deter you from doing anything. Readers will find characters and situations to relate to, which might just make coping with the trials of middle school more attainable. VERDICT Readers will continue to delight in this series, which excels at communicating positive lessons with humor.

Sweater, Michael & Josue Cruz. Quest for the Golden Bones. 202p. (Puppy Knights). Union Square Kids. Oct. 2025. Tr. $24.99. ISBN 9781454946953.
Gr 3-7–When adventurer Sparky and his squire Pugsly enter the Kingdom of New Pawston, they are given a quest of immense importance: finding and recovering the Golden Bones. These are not only a valuable treasure but are also used to designate the Head of the Kingdom, and the prince wants them desperately. Unbeknownst to them, there is more plotting going on out of watchful eyes, and a mysterious creature informs them that the prince is not all he claims to be. Setting this series in a world of dogs allows the different breeds to stand in for various character types—the king is a huge St. Bernard, and the ruffians are portrayed by mangy mutts. Sparky is willing to go to any lengths to find the bones, and his perseverance is the book’s strength. VERDICT Puppy Knights takes readers into a world where even the smallest can stand brave and tall. Readers will love this fun adventure full of dogs doing daring deeds.

Tebo. The Smurfs — Who’s That Smurf?tr. by Nanette McGuinnes. 64p. (The Smurfs Graphic Novels). Papercutz. Mar. 2025. Tr. $12.99. ISBN 9781545816042.
Gr 4-6–Any fan of the Smurfs will tell you that they are named based on their dominant personality trait: Brainy Smurf, Vanity Smurf, the female Smurfette, etc. When a Smurf wakes after having fallen from a rooftop, doesn’t know his name, and doesn’t understand the very unique way that Smurfs speak, the others dub him Stranger Smurf. While Papa Smurf begins to investigate a way to restore his memory, other Smurfs lead Stranger to retrace his steps, hoping to find where he came from. What unfurls is an adventure that runs deeper into Smurf lore and history than most Smurf stories. The story is fun and lighthearted, but readers unfamiliar with Smurf language might stumble at first. Smurfs will occasionally replace a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb with some version of the word “Smurf,” and it may be somewhat of a hassle to decipher the meaning for inexperienced readers. Nonetheless, this installment in the continuing story of the Smurfs will gather both new and old fans. VERDICT With a new film coming soon, Smurf books should fly off the shelves.

Turnbloom,Lucas. Steve L. McEvil and the Twisted Sister. 256p. (Steve L. McEvil: Bk. 3). Crown. Mar. 2025. Tr. $14.99. ISBN 9780593649589.
Gr 3-7–With villainous young scientist Steve McEvil lost in outer space at the end of the previous volume, readers should expect a new direction to this funny series. Enter Eve McEvil, Steve’s younger sister, who is enjoying life without the tensions caused by an older sibling. Their Grandpa knows that Eve is the only one smart enough to figure out how to get Steve and his friends home, but she is refusing to help. Meanwhile, on the planet Lux, Steve and his friends have to figure out how to stop the oncoming invasion of Xerxes, a warlord bent on conquering the galaxy. This series is wild. Taking from many traditional concepts in science fiction, the plot is able to transition and jump around in ways readers won’t expect, while also discussing family dynamics and unique superhero weaknesses. These mad scientists will bring laughter and smiles to readers. VERDICT Mad science and superheroes collide again in this galactic adventure where characters are much more than they seem.

Yang, Gene Luen. Legendary Legends of Legendarious Achievery. illus. by Kendall Goode & Alison Acton. 144p. (The Books of Clash: Bk. 5). First Second. May 2025. Tr. $26.99. ISBN 9781250816337.
Gr 4-6–After the Goblin Horde of Flurgburg takes over a town, the best place to be is at the after party. For CJ and his father, it means another early night so they can rise to continue work on the Great Goblin Barrel, a device meant to save their people from great tragedy. Old Goblin Crag hears rumbling beneath them and knows that soon a great lava monster will wake and cause destruction, and everyone is left to wonder if its true, and who could possibly help. Based on the popular mobile game Clash of Clans, this series gives typically nameless game characters the chance to shine. Seeing things from the goblin point of view makes for a unique narration, and great care is taken with character histories and motivations. VERDICT This series continues to give life and lore to this frantic action game. Readers will enjoy seeing things from a goblin’s perspective.

Zhou, Vivian. Atana and the Jade Mermaid. 256p. (Atana). HarperCollins/HarperAlley. May 2025. pap. $15.99. ISBN 9780063075948.
Gr 3 Up–In the second book in this aquatic fantasy series, readers join mermaid Atana, her friend Cosmos the witch, and Ren, a firebird bound to human form. They are searching for a way to restore Ren’s magic. Making their way to the Wandering Isles, they’ll have to figure out not only what to do about the growing threat of the Merfolk Empire but also how to use all their abilities to restore the proper flow of magic in the world. The group is up against the Empress, who is fearful and clinging to a prophecy that claims Atana will be the downfall of her kingdom. Fantasy graphic novels have become extremely popular, and this series will be no exception. Along with an exciting story, it models how to handle pressure and stress: “You belong to yourself, and you are just as you should be. There is no right or wrong way to be you. You are yourself. Isn’t that a wonderful thing?” VERDICT This book stands out with its phenomenal illustrations and life-affirming messages.

Upper Middle School toHigh School

Cawthon, Scott. Tales from the Pizzaplex Graphic Novel Collection. illus. by Diana Camero & others. 192p. (Five Nights at Freddy’s Graphic Novels: Bk. 1). Scholastic/Graphix. Mar. 2025. pap. $14.99. ISBN 9781546128434.
Gr 7 Up–The “Five Nights at Freddy’s” franchise brings another set of tales of terror in this three-story collection. Birthday girl Maya finds out why exploring a closed attraction at Freddy Fazbear’s Mega Pizzaplex is a bad idea; Aiden learns what happens when you get lost in the tube maze; and Grady really shouldn’t be alone with Ballora, especially not in her Fitness and Flex area. Whether it’s a video game, a novel, a feature-length film, or a graphic novel, “Five Nights at Freddy’s” brings jump-scare-level horror and creepiness to all its releases. VERDICT Freddy Fazbear and all his animatronic friends will keep eager horror readers and fans of the series up all night.

Green, John Patrick. Agents of S.U.I.T.: Wild Ghost Chase. illus. by Pat Lewis. 208p. (InvestiGators). First Second. Feb. 2025. Tr $12.99. ISBN 9781250852403.
Gr 6 Up–In the third volume of this spin-off of the “InvestiGators” series, Agents of S.U.I.T. continues their hijinks. New recruit Zeb the sheep joins the B Team and wants to show he can help solve mysteries at the same level as the other agents. The ghost of the organization’s firest leader show up, causing chaos in the ranks. Wanting to move on to the afterlife, he seeks to solve one final great mystery as the Agents scramble to track him down. Acronym jokes, corny humor, and many references to popular movies (like Star Wars, Wizard of Oz , and Ghostbusters to name a few) are sprinkled throughout the story. Readers will continue to flock to these wild, comedic graphic novels. VERDICT Young readers love a good mystery. When you add in crazy characters and huge helpings of humor, you have a recipe for success.

Prentice-Jones, Sam. The Lost Heirs. 384p. (Arcana). Feiwel & Friends. Jun. 2025. Tr. $27.99. ISBN 9781250290236.
Gr 10 Up–Eli believes he is the only witch left in the world. That belief is soon shattered when he meets James and gets introduced to the Arcana, a local group of witches who act as guides, teachers, and support for the magical world. As Eli makes friends and begins to learn more about his powers, he begins to ask questions about why he was out on his own, the history of the farmhouse he’d been living in, and the story behind whispers about a returning curse. This new series has a lot of potential. Readers will enjoy the mysteries of the new magical universe, as well as the genuine and adorable queer relationships. VERDICT This should fly off shelves when word of it gets out.

Setian, Victoria. Children of the Night. illus. by Savanna Ganucheau. 224p. (When Monsters Wake: Bk. 1). Abrams/Fanfare. Aug. 2025. Tr. $26.99. ISBN 9781419762635.
Gr 8 Up–Mina Murray has always been known for her interest in the creepy and weird, so when an old ship, The Demeter, crashes on shore, she checks it out. Boxes of dirt and a body completely drained of blood are found onboard. Her friends Lucy West and Jon Harker support her curiosity, even though they don’t always understand. When new, very pale looking, student arrives at school students begin disappearing. This series starter will have readers excited to see what’s coming next: the flow of story and art make it a real page-turner. VERDICT This modern reimagination of Draculaallows a new generation to relate to the classic tale.

Stanley, Stan. As Above, So Below. 336p. (The Hazards of Love: Bk. 2). Oni Pr. Apr. 2025. pap. $19.99. ISBN 9781637154892.
Gr 8 Up–At the end of the first volume of this series, Amparo got stuck in the vibrant and weird Bright World. As this volume begins, Iolanthe starts her journey to rescue him by speaking to the ghost of Amparo’s abuela, who tells her that Amparo is in the house of the Deer Man. Iolanthe must decide if she has what it takes to move between worlds to find him. This book features a very large cast of characters presented in a series of vignettes. Each one has a lot going on in their individual stories, but also play a role in the overall narrative. Fans of the series will delight in the continuing saga, but newcomers will definitely want to go back and read volume one. VERDICT Give to fans of Heartstopper who are looking for a fantasy and paranormal twist.

Sunny. Rainbow! Volume 2. illus. by Gloomy. 320p. (Rainbow!). Scholastic/Graphix. May 2025. pap. $16.99. ISBN 9781546110163.
Gr 8 Up–Boo’s life is all over the place. Between the harsh reality of an alcoholic mother, and her beloved job and wonderful boss, she always feels bounced around. A huge new bright spot in her life is Mimi, who she has developed confusing feelings for. Through it all Boo escapes into her overactive imagination, idealizing the world around her with princess, pirate, and magical fantasies, which are including Mimi more and more. Presenting the dark and light aspects of Boo’s life gives her story a grounded reality that will resonate with many readers. Queer relationships meet magical girl fantasies. VERDICT The only way to make a rainbow is to live through a storm, and Boo and Mimi provide anchors for each other.

uru-chan. unOrdinary. 352p. (unOrdinary: Bk. 3). HarperColins/HarperAlley. May 2025. pap. $19.99. ISBN 9780063327764.
Gr 9 Up–The drama at Wellston High continues in this third volume of “unOrdinary.” Seraphina has returned but been left temporarily powerless. Arlo continues his rise to King of the school. The mystery of seemingly powerless “zero” John is also under investigation as it is discovered his power was to the level of a King at his previous school. As the violent organization Ember is closing in, the influence the book unOrdinary will continue to have on these superpowered high schoolers is unclear. Fans of this series will be able to pick up with the vast cast of characters while newcomers may struggle with the many plotlines. VERDICT A good hybrid of superhero and magic school stories.